Later known as Lord Forrest, a young John Forrest at one time, happened to be the Acting-Comptroller of Prisons, in Western Australia.
Regular inspection of the vast Fremantle Gaol was one of his duties and on one visit, Forrest was informed by one of the prison authorities of the misdeeds of a terrible ruffian, who had to be kept in irons, as well as solitary confinement lest he should murder somebody.
The Acting Comptroller desired to see this barbarian, who was brought into his presence with a 24lb. iron on each leg. His hands were secured, and three warders guarded him.
The unfortunate wretch, who had been maddened by this cruel treatment, entered the apartment with wild eyes, which dropped under the gaze of Mr Forrest until his chin sunk to his chest.
“I can see what you want” exclaimed John, “You want a friend,” and turning to the warders, he ordered them to have the man’s irons struck off at once, and to unbind his hands.
From that hour the so-called ruffian became as mild as a lamb and under humane treatment was soon an altered creature.
After his release at the expiration of the sentence, he secured a permanent job at the gaol and even gained a pension in the end, never again relapsing into crime.
Fremantle Prison, c1900
From, Eastern Districts Chronicle (York, WA : 1877 – 1927) – Friday 27 October 1922
The Genetic Arborist 